Universal exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

A new, safely-designed and portable exercise apparatus ( 10 ) comprising of a platform ( 20 ) on which a user performs a variety of resistance and cardiovascular exercises; a balance bar ( 50 ) to assist with balance as a user performs lower body exercises with elastic cords ( 82 ) for resistance; for stepping up and down the platform ( 20 ) to maintain balance for coordination and for cardiovascular benefit; a chair ( 70 ) to assist a physically challenged user to perform upper and lower body resistance exercises.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an exercise apparatus, specifically to animproved design, that provides safety, adaptability, portability andcomplete functionality.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Muscular endurance, muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness arethree of the five components of physical fitness. In general, a largepercentage of the exercising population is involved in cardiovascularactivities, forsaking the benefits of resistance training to maintainand improve muscular endurance and strength. As people get older, theimportance of exercise, specifically muscular endurance and strength,becomes more relevant. The present invention seeks to provide animproved apparatus which provides a safe, portable, adaptable,functional, and simple to use exercise apparatus for people 50 years oldand above.

The most significant loss as we age is the loss of balance. This is theprimary reason why falling is the most dangerous accident among theaging population. Statistics show that when an older person falls andfractures a bone, it leads to inactivity and eventually premature death.Another significant loss which we do not see with our naked eyes untilit gets very serious, is loss of bone mass or a disease calledosteoporosis. Studies show that among women at age 70, 30 percent of thebone mass is lost. This makes resistance training more critical becauseengaging in regular resistance training improves our overall muscle masswhich results in postural integrity; and retards the progress ofosteoporosis by increasing bone mineral content. This invention is toprovide a versatile exercise apparatus for this group of people toengage in a regular exercise program that provides safety in balancing,a complete resistance workout from top to bottom and a cardiovascularexercise.

There are many existing exercise devices; some are now being sold in themarket and some have yet to enter the market. However, none of thisequipment is geared to meet the physical challenges of the agingpopulation. Inventions such as that of U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,711 to Hinds(2001) discloses resistance training equipment that can be mounted onthe face of the door and uses elastic cords as resistance; however,since the device needs a fixed vertical area to anchor or a selectivearea to perform exercises, it is considered non-portable. Additionally,the device does not provide assistance to help a user maintain his orher balance during lower body exercises. U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,014 toScoggins (2000) discloses a light-weight, portable, multifunctionexercise piece of equipment using cords; and in several exercisesshowing modifications by using a chair. However, the design doesn't showadequate support to keep the equipment in place especially whenperforming several exercises for the upper body in vertical plane. Thismeans a user has to be concerned about the equipment being lifted offthe floor as he or she pulls the cords. U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,423 toMackey et al. (2000) shows an exercise device for resistance exercisesusing nylon cables in supine and seated positions; however, it does notassist in any lower body exercises.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,866 to Kuo (2000) shows a collapsible exercisedevice for resistance exercise using elastic cords; however, it limits auser to seated exercises and supine exercises only; it does not allow auser any standing exercises to work the lower body that contributesgreatly to maintaining balance. U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,064 to Holm (1996)shows an exercise device in the form of elastic cords, handles andattachments for resistance training; however, this device can only beused in specific areas of a house where there is a door to attach thecords. Additionally, it does not provide any support when doing lowerbody exercises in a standing position. U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,562 to Glaser(1996) shows an exercise device that can be used for resistanceexercises using elastic cords and a cardiovascular movement of steppingup and down on the platform focusing on the leg muscles; however, thisdevice requires a user with adequate balance to begin with to exerciseon this equipment because the platform rocks back and forth; an unstableplatform is detrimental to someone who has poor balance. U.S. Pat. No.5,540,642 to Sprague (1996) shows an exercise device that can be usedfor cardiovascular exercise such as stepping and resistance exercisesusing cords; however, the device does not provide support for a userperforming lower body exercises in a standing position. The device alsorequires additional weights to be placed in its compartments to keep theequipment down during use, otherwise the device is unstable. This can bea burdensome process to some users.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—OBJECT AND ADVANTAGES

It is the object of the present invention to provide an exerciseapparatus and methods of exercising that satisfy the deficiencies ofthese prior inventions relating to the following:

-   -   1. Adaptability: The present invention is suitable in any        environment, home or institutions. It is a great home exercise        apparatus because of its size and weight, easy storage, and        functionality. It is also appropriate for institution use such        as rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and health clubs as        multiple users can use the equipment at different intervals.    -   2. Portability: The present invention is a stand-alone exercise        apparatus which means it does not require other devices to make        it work or specific areas to make it work.    -   This exercise apparatus is also suitable in recreational        vehicles to use while traveling, in homes where there is limited        space and stowing is the only option, or in any environment that        requires the apparatus to be moved around.    -   3. Functionality: The present invention is designed to provide a        method to perform a complete resistance exercises for the upper        and lower body. The rotating eyelet bolts allow the user to        perform exercises in different directions without changing        positions. The elastic cords are represented by different        strength or intensities that meet the appropriate load for every        user. The upper body elastic cords are cut according to the        user's height, providing the right length to achieve effective        resistance training.    -   This exercise apparatus can also be adapted to a cardiovascular        piece of apparatus by detaching the chair and its accessories.        The user can step up to and down from the platform safely using        the balance bar, to develop coordination and mainly work on the        lower body and cardiovascular system.    -   4. Safety: The present invention is designed with safety in mind        to meet the needs of those individuals who are        physically-challenged with balancing or unable to stand for a        period of time. Such individuals require a method to keep their        balance while standing or a method of exercise while sitting        down.    -   The balance bar provides a user means to balance while        performing lower body exercises while standing with one-leg. The        balance bar is also an excellent support for a user stepping up        and down the platform for cardiovascular training.    -   Another feature of the apparatus that adds to the safety of the        user is the anti-skid mat used on the platform. The anti-skid        mat reduces the possibility of slipping since the platform has a        flat and typically, a smooth surface finish.    -   The chair provides a user means to perform resistance exercises        for upper and lower body even when seated. Depending on the        user, the chair can be moved up and down the platform to adjust        for height, reach and exercise movement. The frame members on        both sides of the chair provide the user means of support when        performing leg exercises and when preparing to stand.    -   The balance bar, the mat and the chair provide the safety        mechanism in order for these individuals to engage confidently        in a regular resistance training program.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention an exercise apparatus systemcomprising of a platform, a chair, a balance bar, a mat, a plurality ofpivoting eyelet bolts, swivel pulley device, elastic cords withpredetermined lengths and strengths, fitted with handles and anklestrap; method to perform safe and complete resistance and cardiovascularexercises.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

In these drawings, closely related figures have the same number butdifferent alphabetic suffixes.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the exercise apparatus.

FIG. 1A to 1B show the features of the rotating eyelet system and one ofthe preferred arrangements of its accessories.

FIG. 2 to 2B show the function of the balance bar and the features ofthe balance bar mounting system.

FIG. 3 to 3A show a user performing seated upper and lower bodyexercises.

FIG. 4 shows a user performing an alternate seated upper body exercise.DRAWINGS - Reference Numerals 10 exercise apparatus system 20 platform22 recessed eyelet cups 30 mat 32 orifices of the mat 40 rotating eyeletsystem 42 eyelet bolts 44 washers 46 locking nuts 50 balance bar 60balance bar mounting system 62 balance bar mounts 64 permanent pins 66removable pins 70 chair 72 frame members 74 braces 76 seat 80accessories 82 elastic cords 84 pulley 86 clips 88 handles 89 anklestrap

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A reference numeral (10) represents an exercise apparatus of a presentinvention as shown in FIG. 1. The exercise apparatus (10) comprises aplatform (20) on which a user performs all the exercises, a balance bar(50), a chair (70) and a plurality of accessories (80) for resistancetraining. In this embodiment, the platform (20) has a flat surface thatis partially covered by a mat (30) preferably made out of rubber as itis known for its resistance to dampness and non-slipperycharacteristics. The platform (20) has a plurality of recessed eyeletcups (22) spaced evenly along both ends and center of the platform (20).A plurality of orifices (32) of the mat (30) are slightly larger indiameter than the recessed eyelet cups (22). The mat (30) fits directlyover the surface of the platform (20) and the orifices (32) align withthe recessed eyelet cups (22).

Referring to FIG. 1 and 1A: The recessed eyelet cups (22) contain arotating eyelet system (40) that pivot 360 degrees and allows the userto pull a plurality of elastic cords (82) in various directions withoutchanging user's position on the platform (20). The rotating eyeletsystem (40) comprises an eyelet bolt (42), a plurality of washers (44)and a locking nut (46). The eyelet bolt (42) is mounted to the platform(20) below the surface level. Thus, when the user steps onto theplatform (20), the user will not step on the eyelet bolt (42)eliminating any chance of an accident.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B: FIG. 1B specifically shows one of thepreferred arrangements of the accessories (80). Elastic cords (82) ofvariable length and strength based on the height and exercise level ofthe user are attached to the rotating eyelet system (40) by a clip (86)that is hooked to the eyelet bolt (42). Only the center elastic cord(82) with an ankle strap (89), mainly for lower body exercises as shownon FIG. 2, uses a longer cord to provide the user full control of theexercise intensity, and uses a detachable swivel pulley (84) to protectthe elastic cord (82) from increased friction caused by the consistentrubbing of metal and rubber and to allow the elastic cord (82) ease ofmovement. The detachable swivel pulley (84) is attached to the clip (86)and is hooked to the eyelet bolt (42). The two elastic cords (82) with ahandle on each (88), are used mainly for upper body exercises and arehooked to the eyelet bolts (42) by the clip (86) in either ends of theplatform (20) depending upon the type of exercises being performed.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B: The exercise apparatus (10) provides amechanism for the user to keep balance while performing lower bodyexercises with one leg. At one end of the platform (20) is a balance bar(50) held by a balance bar mounting system (60) which comprises of twobalance bar mounts (62) either molded as one with the platform orconstructed as separate pieces and mounted together. In this presentinvention, the balance bar mounting system (60) is molded as one withthe platform (20). The balance bar (50) is held in place securely by apermanent pin (64) at the bottom of both the balance bar mountingsystems (60) and a removable pin (66) located at the upper portion ofthe balance bar mounting system (60). The permanent pins (64) areengaged to the balance bar mounts (62) either in perpendicular orparallel position of the balance bar (50) to the platform (20). When thebalance bar is in a perpendicular position to the platform (20), theremovable pins (66) are engaged to the balance bar mounts (62). Theremovable pins (66) are disengaged from the balance bar mounts (62) whenthe balance bar (50) is in parallel position to the platform.

Referring to FIG. 3 and 3A: The exercise apparatus (10) also provides achair (70) to perform resistance exercises and is geared to users whoare physically challenged to stand while performing the exercises. Inthis embodiment, the chair (70) is shown as part of the platform (20);consists of a frame member (72) on each side of a seat (76) thatsupports the seat (76). The frame members (72) are used to assist theuser for balance and leverage while performing some of the lower bodyexercises and when getting up from the chair. The two frame members (72)are held by a front and back brace (74) at a height that crosses thesurface of the platform (20). The braces (74) rest lightly at thesurface of the platform (20) and hold the platform (20) in a stableposition utilizing the weight of the user sitting on the chair (70).

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4: In these embodiments, the exercise apparatus(10) can be used alternately without the chair (70), whereby the usercan perform lower and upper body exercises by standing or sitting on theplatform.

Accordingly, the reader will be able to determine the advantages andbenefits of this present invention as it relates to its features andfunction. This exercise apparatus is designed in response to meet theneeds of a specific group of population, namely the seniors and thoseindividuals who are physically challenged to perform the normalmovements of a physically-able person while exercising.

Although the description above explains many details, these should notbe construed as limiting the scope of the invention but merely toillustrate some of the preferred embodiments. Another embodiment of thepresent invention is for two users performing resistance exercisessimultaneously. For example, one user is performing a lower bodyexercise with one-leg by the balance bar while the other user isperforming an upper body exercise at the other end of the platformstanding off the platform or on the floor. Another embodiment is alarger, circular-shaped platform with more than one balance bar, morethan one chair and a plurality of rotating eyelet systems that makes awork station for multiple users.

As a result, the extent of the present invention should be determined bythe claims and their legal equivalent.

1. A light weight exercise apparatus system comprising of asubstantially (a) a ground engaging platform made of a substantiallyrigid material, with a substantially rigid internal support structurefor supporting body weight, and of predetermined size and shape at anelevation for stepping onto, and (b) said platform having a rotatablebalance bar of predetermined height positioned at one end of theplatform, and (c) said platform having a plurality of cups ofpredetermined size and position recessed from the surface of theplatform, and (d) said platform having a plurality of eyelet boltsattached pivotably inside the recessed cups just below the surface ofsaid platform, and (e) one of said eyelet bolts having a swivel pulleydevice attached to said eyelet bolt, and (d) said eyelet bolts wherein apredetermined eyelet bolt has a predetermined length of elastic cordfitted with an ankle strap on one end, is slipped through said swivelpulley device, and (f) said eyelet bolts wherein a plurality ofpredetermined lengths of elastic cords are attached to said eyelet boltsby means of a clip on the connecting end of each elastic cord and a handgrasp on each of the opposite ends of the elastic cords for grasping byuser, and (g) said platform having a chair for sitting by the userdesigned to be placed over the platform surface, and whereby theplatform and its' components shall provide a stage for an individualuser to conduct various resistance exercises in both standing andsitting positions.
 2. The resistance exercise device system as in claim1, wherein the balance bar is rotatably connected to said platform andselectively positionable between a first position wherein, the handlebaris generally perpendicular to the platform surface, and a secondposition, wherein the balance bar is generally parallel to the platformsurface.
 3. The resistance exercise device system as in claim 2, furthercomprising a means for locking said balance bar in the first position.4. The resistance exercise device system as in claim 1, wherein the topof the eyelet bolts are positioned completely below said platformsurface.
 5. A method of performing resistance exercises comprising thesteps of: (a) providing a ground engaging platform made of asubstantially rigid material, with a substantially rigid internalsupport structure for supporting body weight, and of predetermined sizeand shape at an elevation for stepping onto, and (b) providing a balancebar at one end of the platform, and (c) said platform having recessedcups of predetermined size and at a predetermined position andpositioning an eyelet bolt pivotably mounted within each cup, and (d)selectively engaging at least one elastic cord within a chosen eyelet ofthe eyelet bolt, and (e) a user positioning at least a part of theuser's person on the platform, and (f) the user performing resistanceexercises from a seated position on the chair and using the framemembers for balance and leverage while performing lower body exercisesand (f) performing a resistance exercise by the user stretching theelastic band.
 6. A method of performing exercises comprising the stepsof: (a) providing a ground engaging platform made of a substantiallyrigid material, with a substantially rigid internal support structurefor supporting body weight, and of predetermined size and shape at anelevation for stepping onto, and (b) providing a balance bar at one endof the platform, and (c) said platform being used as a device to step upto and down from in a continuous fashion for cardiovascular improvementand using the balance bar at one end of the platform for balance whilethe user is making the steps up and down.